Creamy Baked Pasta Primavera Recipe

Gather ’round, pasta lovers, because I’m about to transform your typical dinner plans with this heavenly Creamy Baked Pasta Primavera. It’s like a vibrant veggie garden met a gooey cheese festival, and they decided to make magic in your oven! 🌿🍅🧀

My Creamy Baked Pasta Primavera is a colorful, flavorful medley of colors and flavors. It has zucchini and cherry tomatoes, penne pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce and lots of Parmesan cheese.

And I think it’s pretty outstanding. The pronounced “bake” flavor is offset by a deliciously fresh flavor from the basil, which you can certainly leave out if you don’t have any on hand.

The ingredients listed below serve four, but I used them to make a half-batch for dinner one night. You could absolutely double the recipe and have some for leftovers; it reheats beautifully!

Ingredients

• Penne Pasta: A good source of carbohydrates, providing energy and fiber.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats, offers a rich, fruity flavor.
• Red Onion: Adds sweetness and antioxidants, supports heart health.
• Bell Peppers (Red & Yellow): Rich in vitamin C, adds sweetness and color.
• Garlic: Contains allicin, promotes heart health, adds robust flavor.
• Zucchini & Yellow Squash: Low in calories, high in fiber and vitamins.
• Broccoli: High in vitamin C and fiber, supports immunity.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness, texture, and dairy fat.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami, rich in calcium and protein.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy texture, provides protein and calcium.
• Basil: Aromatic herb, adds fresh flavor and antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 small yellow squash, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

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How to Make this

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish that measures 9×13 inches, and set it aside.

2. Prepare the penne pasta according to the directions on the package. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it is firm to the bite and not mushy. Drain the pasta and set it to the side.

3. In an ample frying pan, warm the olive oil over a medium flame. Toss in the ruby onion and the red and yellow bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are on their way to being tender.

4. Add the minced garlic, zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook for an additionally allotted 5 minutes until all the vegetables are soft.

5. Add the heavy cream and heat until just beginning to simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Keep stirring and cooking until the cheese has melted and the sauce is starting to thicken.

6. Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the creamy vegetable mixture. Make sure the mixture coats the pasta evenly.

7. Move the mixture of pasta and vegetables into the baking dish that you set up beforehand. Make sure to distribute the mozzarella cheese so that it covers the dish uniformly. You should have enough cheese so that you can’t see the filling underneath.

8. In the preheated oven, bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

9. Take out of the oven and allow to cool a little before serving.

10. Before serving, top with the finely chopped fresh basil. Relish in your creamy pasta primavera baked to perfection!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13 inch baking dish
3. Large pot
4. Colander
5. Large frying pan or skillet
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Wooden spoon or spatula
9. Knife
10. Cutting board

These are the essential kitchen tools you need to prepare the recipe.

FAQ

• Q: Can I substitute the penne pasta with another type of pasta?
  
  A: Yes, you can use any short pasta like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle.
• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
  
  A: Yes, you can substitute with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor.
• Q: Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
  
  A: For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk.
• Q: Can this dish be made ahead of time?
  
  A: Absolutely, you can prepare it ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Q: How can I add protein to this dish?
  
  A: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
• Q: What should I do if I don’t have fresh basil?
  
  A: You can use dried basil but reduce the amount to 1-2 teaspoons as it’s more concentrated.

Creamy Baked Pasta Primavera Recipe Substitutions and Variations

A substitute for 12 ounces of penne pasta can be rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle.
2 tablespoons olive oil can be substituted with canola oil or vegetable oil.

Substitution guidelines:
1. Canola oil
2. Vegetable oil
Yellow onions or shallots can replace small red onions.
1 cup of heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be used in place of grated Parmesan cheese in a 1-to-1 ratio.

Pro Tips

1. Pasta Cooking Tip Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water before adding the pasta. This will enhance the flavor of the pasta itself, giving it a better taste in the final dish.

2. Vegetable Sautéing When sautéing the vegetables, start with the onions and peppers as directed, but ensure they are slightly caramelized before adding the other vegetables. This will add a deeper flavor profile to your dish.

3. Cream and Cheese Mixture Make sure to simmer the heavy cream gently and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth before combining with the pasta. This ensures a luscious, creamy sauce with a consistent texture.

4. Broccoli Preparation To ensure even cooking, consider blanching the broccoli florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This helps maintain their bright green color and tender texture.

5. Cheese Topping For a beautifully golden, bubbly top, consider broiling the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent over-browning, and ensure the mozzarella melts evenly for a perfect finish.